Steve Rosenberg: Russia's economic forum overshadowed by drone attacks on St Petersburg

Article excerpt

Russia's premier economic forum in St. Petersburg descended into chaos as Ukrainian drone attacks forced attendees to take shelter, undermining Vladimir Putin's showcase event. BBC Russia editor Steve Rosenberg witnessed the contradictions firsthand: while officials touted economic resilience and business opportunities, explosions rattled the city and air-raid sirens wailed overhead. The attacks highlighted the gap between Moscow's messaging about stability and the reality on the ground, a vulnerability the Kremlin struggles to reconcile as it attempts to project confidence to investors and the international business community.